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Branch & Etterman looking forward to Houston debut BAYTOWN, Texas - Anytime you enter a race you've won the last four times you've entered, you're excited. Couple that with the excitement of debuting a new team and sponsor, and you've got the ...

Published: Mar 10, 2004, 7:30 PM

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Branch & Etterman looking forward to Houston debut

BAYTOWN, Texas - Anytime you enter a race you've won the last four times you've entered, you're excited. Couple that with the excitement of debuting a new team and sponsor, and you've got the excitement going around the new Bar's Leaks/Branch & Etterman Racing team right now. The team and defending three-time Division 4 Champion Tate Branch will debut at this weekend's NHRA Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Houston Raceway Park, an event he has won the last four out of five years.

Branch, from Artesia, N.M., is excited to be getting back in the seat this weekend.

"We're ready to get the year started," said Branch. "We were ready two weeks ago at Dallas, and had to wait. Basically, we're ready to quit talking about it and go race. We're going to do some testing on Thursday, and I think that is going to be a real plus for the team. One, it gives us a chance to work as a team before the race starts. Two, it gives me a chance to get back used to driving, and three, it gives Dave [Scheelk - Crew Chief] a head start on the tune-up for the weekend."

Despite his success at the event, Branch is quick to cite every year it gets harder to keep the string alive.

"It's pretty overwhelming the success we've had at this race," stated Branch. "As if the normal Division 4 cars weren't tough enough, Steve Gasparrelli will be running our Division this year and I'm sure some hitters like Jay Payne will be there, too. Rest assured, myself, George and Jane Etterman are committed to doing whatever it takes to get this Bar's Leaks Camaro in the winner's circle."

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars, with two more sessions on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday. Stay tuned to InsideTopAlcohol.com for the latest news in alcohol racing.

-lr-

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